Teaching aid to be worn by an individual

ABSTRACT

An article of clothing such as a bib, T-shirt, pants, dress, pajamas, etc. for a baby, toddler, or child having one or more inverted items, for example characters, numbers, diagrams, pictures, letters, designs, figures, or combinations thereof, on the front of the article so that, they appear right-side-up to the infant or toddler wearing the article and up-side-down to the adult or care giver. Such an article can be used to teach a child numbers, letters, pictures, the alphabet, numerical system, and the like while a child is wearing the article. It is believed that by putting the items in the proper orientation for right-side-up viewing by the child, the child may learn more quickly and not be confused when these items are shown right-side-up on the television and in reading materials. A series of articles or articles having removable and replaceable items can be used as a learning system, so that, the child, over time, can learn, for example, the entire alphabet, numbers up through 100, words, animals, etc.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/560,895,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,589, filed Nov. 20, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to clothing, garments, and/oraccessories, and more particularly concerns a learning enhancing articleof clothing, garment, and/or accessory having intentionally invertednumbers, letters, numerals, characters, words, designs, figures,objects, pictorial representations, combinations thereof and the likethereon, systems, and methods of teaching therewith.

As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a conventional (prior art) bibgenerally designated by the reference numeral 10 is shown to include acloth front panel 12, a moisture-proof back panel 14, a neck opening 16,and releasable securing ties 18. The bib 10 also includes a design 20 onthe front thereof in a right-side-up orientation when viewed by someoneother than the child or infant wearing the bib. Other conventional bibsinclude a plurality of designs or figures, for example, balloons orclowns, presented in a random or haphazard orientation on the bib. Whensuch a conventional bib is placed in position around a child's neck andsecured for use, the child looks down upon the designs or figures on thebib and they appear upside-down to the child. The conventionalorientation of one or more of the designs or other items on the face ofthe bib may confuse or slow the learning process of the child wearingthe bib since these items are perceived upside-down or inverted by thewearer.

Hence, there is a need for an improved article of clothing, garment,accessory and the like which includes one or more intentionally invertedor upside-down oriented designs, letters, numbers, characters, words,pictorial representations, figures, objects, array, pattern, orcombinations thereof which appear right-side-up to the person or childwearing the article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an article of clothing,garment, accessory, or the like is provided which includes one or moreintentionally inverted or upside-down oriented items, array, or pattern,including numbers, letters, words, pictures, designs, figures, objects,pictorial representations, or combinations thereof on at least the frontface thereof to be viewed in a right-side-up orientation by the wearerof the article to enhance learning, facilitate teaching, or reduceconfusion on the part of the wearer. Also in accordance with the presentinvention, an improved outfit is provided which includes a plurality ofarticles, garments, accessories, and/or the like including one or moreinverted items such as letters, numbers, characters, words, designs,pictures, figures, objects, or combinations thereof on at least thefront face of each article to be viewed in an upright orientation by theperson or child wearing the outfit.

Further in accordance with the present invention, a system of a seriesor sequence of articles, garments, and/or accessories having theinverted items on at least the front face thereof is provided to be usedsequentially to facilitate the learning of, for example, the alphabet,numerical system, objects, animals, words, etc. by the wearer. Moreover,in accordance with the present invention, a method of teaching isprovided which utilizes the above-described articles, garments,accessories, outfits, and/or system to facilitate the learning processof a child, toddler, infant, handicapped person, or learning disabledchild or adult.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a learningenhancing bib is provided which includes at least one intentionallyinverted item on the front face thereof to be viewed by the wearer in anupright orientation and viewed by others in an upside-down or invertedorientation. The item may be one or more figures, letters, numbers,words, pictures, designs, objects, or combinations thereof.

In accordance with a particular example of the present invention, aseries of four bibs constituting a system includes a first bib having onthe front face thereof the inverted numbers 1, 2, and 3, a second bibhaving on the front face thereof the inverted numbers 4, 5, and 6, athird bib having on the front face thereof the inverted numbers 7, 8,and 9, and a fourth bib having on the front face thereof the invertednumber 10. These bibs are designed to be worn sequentially in order toenhance or facilitate the learning of the numbers 1-10. In accordancewith another particular example of the present invention, a series oflearning enhancing bibs includes sequential groupings of letters of thealphabet to facilitate the learning of the alphabet. In accordance withstill yet another particular example of the present invention, a seriesof bibs includes animals typically found at the zoo.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a learning enhancing shirt includes at least one inverteditem on the front face and/or sleeves thereof to be viewed by the wearerin an upright orientation and viewed by others in an upside-down orinverted orientation. The item may be one or more figures, letters,numbers, words, pictures, designs, objects or combinations thereof. Inaccordance with a particular example of the present invention, a seriesof such shirts make up a system.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a learning enhancing outfit includes a shirt, pants, pajamasand/or bib each having at least one inverted item on the front facethereof to be viewed by the wearer in an upright orientation and viewedby others in an upside-down or inverted orientation. The item may be oneor more figures, letters, numbers, words, pictures, designs, objects, orcombinations thereof. In accordance with a particular example of thepresent invention, a series of such outfits constitute a system.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a learning enhancing layette, skirt, or dress, includes atleast one inverted item on the front face thereof to be viewed by thewearer in an upright orientation and viewed by others in an upside-downor inverted orientation. The item may be one or more figures, letters,numbers, words, pictures, designs, objects, or combinations thereof. Inaccordance with a particular example of the present invention, a seriesof such garments constitute a system.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a learning enhancing kit or system includes an article, forexample a bib, a plurality of items such as numbers, letters, words,designs, pictures, objects, or combinations thereof, and instructionsfor attaching each of the items to the front face of the article in aninverted or upside-down orientation.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a kit for converting a conventional article of clothing,garment, accessory, or the like, to a learning enhancing articleincludes a plurality of items such as numbers, letters, words, designs,pictures, objects, or combinations thereof, and means for releasablyattaching one or more of the items to at least the front face of anarticle of clothing, garment, accessory, or the like, with the item inan inverted or upside-down orientation.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of anarticle of clothing, garment, or accessory having on at least the frontface thereof one or more intentionally inverted items, such as numbers,letters, characters, numerals, words, figures, designs, pictorialrepresentations, objects, array, pattern and/or combinations thereof.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a learningenhancing bib, shirt, pants, layette, dress, pajamas, and the like,having on at least the front face thereof one or more inverted items.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of anoutfit including a plurality of articles of clothing, garments, oraccessories having on at least the front face thereof, one or moreinverted items.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a systemincluding a plurality or series of learning enhancing articles havingone or more inverted items thereon.

Still yet another object of the present invention is the provision of akit for converting a conventional article of clothing, garment, oraccessory to a learning enhancing article.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a method ofteaching incorporating one or more learning enhancing articles,garments, accessories, system, outfit, or combinations thereof toenhance and facilitate the teaching of numbers, letters, numericalsystem, alphabet, words, animals, items, objects, or combinationsthereof.

Other objects and further scope of the applicability of the presentinvention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow,taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings wherein like parts aredesignated by like reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view illustration of a conventional bib (priorart) having a right-side-up oriented design on the front face thereof;

FIGS. 2-4 are front plan view representations of learning enhancing bibsin accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustration of a learning enhancing bib, systemor kit with the bib body and numeral 1 shown in front plan view and thenumerals 2-10 shown in rear plan view;

FIGS. 6-8 are front plan view representations of different exemplaryembodiments of learning enhancing shirts in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 9-11 are front plan view representations of learning enhancinglong sleeve shirts in accordance with different exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view illustration of a pair of learningenhancing pants in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention; and,

FIG. 13 is a front plan view representation of a learning enhancinglayette in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 of the drawings and in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, respective bibs for babies,toddlers, infants, young children, etc. have one or more items includingcharacters, numbers, letters, designs, figures, objects, diagrams,pictures, combinations thereof, and the like inverted or upside-down onthe bib so that they appear right-side-up to the infant or child wearingthe bib, and upside-down to others, for example, the adult or personcaring for the child. Such a bib can be used to teach a child numbers,letters, animals, pictures, the alphabet, numerical system, and thelike, while a child is wearing the bib, and with the items in the properorientation for viewing by the child.

It is believed that, by putting one or more inverted items on the frontsurface of the bib in the proper orientation for right-side-up viewingby the child or person wearing the bib, the child may learn more quicklyand not be confused when these items are shown right-side-up ontelevision, in reading material, and the like. A series of bibs or bibshaving removable or replaceable items, for example letters orcharacters, can be used as a learning system, so that the child overtime can learn an entire alphabet, numbers up through 100, barnyardanimals, zoo-type animals, etc.

More particularly, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, a learningenhancing bib generally designated by the reference numeral 30 includesa bib body 32 having a front surface or panel 34, a neck opening 36,side wing portions 38 and 40, each having a respective opening or buttonhole 42 and 44 which receives a button on an underlying garment or anelongate thread, cord, ribbon, tie, or the like 46, for releasablysecuring the bib under a child's chin at meal time, study time, or atother times to prevent the child from drooling on their clothing. One ormore inverted items 48, 50, and 52 are attached to, printed on, dyed,sewn, embroidered, stitched, applied, embossed, or otherwise presentedon the front surface 34 of main body 32 of bib 30.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, theinverted items 48, 50, and 52 are the numbers 1, 2, and 3, respectively.Although the items 48, 50 and 52 of bib 30 are three numbers ornumerals, it is to be understood that the present invention encompassesthe use of one or more inverted items including characters, numbers,letters, designs, figures, objects, diagrams, pictures, combinations,arrays, patterns, etc. Also, the items of the present invention may beletters or numbers from, for example, the English, Spanish, Greek,French, German, or other alphabet or numerical system.

Also, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto any particular shape, style or make of bib or bib attachment orsecurement. For example, the bib may include snaps, buttons, ties,strings, snap buttons, attached strings, releasable fasteners such asVELCRO brand straps, or the like, for securing the bib in position, andthe bib may have a rectangular, circular, oval or other shape to the bibbody.

It is contemplated that the bib 30 may be the first bib in a series orsystem of bibs having sequential groupings, arrays, or patterns ofnumbers thereon. For example, a series including bib 30, a second bibhaving the inverted numbers 4, 5, and 6, a third bib having the invertednumbers 7, 8, and 9, and a fourth bib having the inverted number 10thereon, may be used as a bib system for facilitating the teaching ofthe numbers 1-10 to the child, infant, toddler, or the like, wearing thebibs. Repeated sequential wearing of the bibs in the series is believedto reinforce the relative order of the numbers and thereby furtherenhance the learning experience and facilitate the teaching of thenumbers to the child.

In accordance with a particular example of the present invention, thebib may include a main body portion which is larger than that of aconventional or typical child's bib to provide a larger surface area forattaching, embossing, painting, inking, printing, dying, sewing,stitching, applying, or otherwise presenting inverted items thereon andincreases the usefulness of the bib.

It is to be understood that the bib 30 may be formed of a variety ofmaterials to provide a disposable, washable, reusable, and/or waterproofbib. Alternatively, the front panel may be made of a loose woven loopmaterial so that the inverted items 48, 50, and 52 may be releasablyattached thereto by having hook-type fastening elements such as VELCRObrand hook-type fastening tapes on the back surface of each of the items48, 50, and 52. The hook-type releasable fastening material engages theloose woven material of the front panel 34 and provides a releasableconnection or coupling therebetween. A disposable bib may be formed of apaper material having the inverted items 48, 50, and 52 printed thereon.Also, it is envisioned that the inverted items 48, 50, and 52 mayactually be openings or cutouts in the main body 32 with the openingsdefining the items. Also, it is contemplated that the bib 30 may bereversible and have one or more inverted items on the back surfacethereof. The items on the back may be the same as or different than theitems on the front surface to further enhance the usefulness of the bib.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, a learning enhancing bib generallydesignated by the reference numeral 54 includes a front surface or panel56 having a main body portion 58 and neck opening 60, right and leftwing portions 62 and 64, and right and left ties or strings 66 and 68.One or more inverted items 70, 72, and 74 are attached, embossed, inked,painted, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched, applied, etc., to the frontsurface or panel 56 of bib 54. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the inverted items 70, 72, and 74 are the capital letters, A, B,and C. When the bib 54 is worn by a child, infant, toddler, or the like,the items 70, 72, and 74 appear right-side-up to the wearer, andupside-down to others, for example, the parent or guardian taking careof or trying to teach the child.

Again, it is contemplated that the bib 56 may be a first bib in a seriesof bibs, each having a sequential grouping of letters thereon tofacilitate the teaching of the alphabet to the child. Also, it iscontemplated that the bib 54 may have one or more inverted items on therear surface or panel thereof to further increase the usefulness of thebib. Like the bib 30, the bib 54 may be disposable, reusable, or made ofa material to provide for the attachment and detachment of the inverteditems to the front and/or rear surfaces thereof.

In accordance with a particular example of the present invention, themain body portion of the bib may be enlarged as compared to conventionalbibs so as to provide an increased surface area for the placement ofadditional or enlarged inverted items thereon.

In accordance with still yet another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, a learning enhancing bibgenerally designated by the reference numeral 76 includes a front panelor surface 78 having a main body portion 80, a neck opening 82, rightand left hand wings 84 and 86, and complimentary snap components 88 and90 providing for releasable coupling of the components 88 and 90 andattachment of the bib 76 around the neck and under the chin of a child,infant, or the like. An inverted item 92 is attached, embossed, inked,painted, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched, applied, affixed, orotherwise presented on the front surface of main body 80 of bib 76. Theitem 92 is an animal, and more particularly, a young elephant.

Again, it is contemplated that the bib 76 may be a first bib in a seriesor system of bibs each having thereon a different inverted item, forexample, a different animal found in a typical zoo, or a differentanimal found in a barnyard to facilitate the teaching of the differentanimals to the child, toddler, or other person wearing the bibs.

Also, it is contemplated that the bib 76 may be disposable, reusable,waterproof, and/or formed of a material which provides for thereleasable attachment or detachment, or coupling of one or more inverteditems thereto.

As shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings in accordance with another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, a learning enhancing bib kit orsystem generally designated by the reference numeral 94, is shown toinclude a bib 96, and a set 98 of a plurality of detachable items100-118 which are adapted to be releasably attached to the bib in aninverted or upside-down orientation. The bib 96 includes a front panelor surface 120, a neck opening 122, right and left wings 124 and 126 andrespective snap components 128 and 130. Attached to the front surface120 of bib 96 are a plurality of pairs of patches or sections ofreleasable coupling or mating material 132 and 134, such as VELCRO brandfilamentary hook tape segment pairs, which provide for detachableattachment or coupling of each of the inverted items 100-118 bycorresponding pairs of mating or coupling material patches or segments136 and 138, such as VELCRO brand loop tape segment pairs, attached tothe rear surface of each of the items 100-118 in position to mate withand couple with the patches or segments 132 and 134.

As shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the item 100 is the numeral 1 and isattached to the front surface 120 of bib 96 with the 1 in an inverted orupside-down orientation. Similarly, four other items 102-118 may beattached to the remaining pairs of securing elements 132 and 134.

It is preferred that the bib 96 and set 98 of items 100-118 be made of arelatively sturdy, reusable, washable, material or cloth which providesfor many uses of the kit or system 94 and allows for sanitation thereofby washing.

Although the items 100-118 shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings are thenumerals 1-10, it is to be understood that other items such as letters,words, pictures, designs, figures, objects, etc., may be used as theitems which are placed on the bib 96 in an inverted or upside-downorientation which appears right-side-up to the child or infant wearingthe bib 96. The items 100-118 may be attached to the bib 96 in a varietyof sequences and groupings to facilitate the teaching of numbers,letters, words, alphabet, objects, animals, or the like, to the child orinfant wearing the bib 96. Also, at advanced ages, the child or otherperson wearing the bib 96 may become involved in the attachment anddetachment of the items to the bib and further enhance the learning andteaching processes.

Like the bibs shown in FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, the shirts, pants, andlayette or dress shown in FIGS. 6-13 of the drawings have one or moreintentionally inverted items on the front surface thereof which appearright side up to the wearer of the garment or article and appearupside-down or inverted to others. With reference to FIGS. 6-8 of thedrawings, the articles of clothing or garments are short-sleeved shirtsor blouses. With reference to FIGS. 9-11 of the drawings, the articlesor garments are long-sleeved shirts or blouses.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings and in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a learningenhancing shirt or T-shirt generally designated by the reference numeral140 includes a V-neck 142, sleeves 144 and 146, and a main body or torsoportion 148. One or more inverted items 150, 152, and 154 are attached,embossed, inked, painted, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched, applied, orcut out of the front surface of main body 148 of shirt 140. The items150-154 are shown as the capital letters A, B, and C.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 of thedrawings, a shirt generally designated 156 includes a round neck 158,sleeves 160 and 162, and a main body or torso portion 164. Attached,embroidered, inked, painted, printed, dyed, sewn, stitched, applied, orcut out from the front surface of main body portion 164 are one or moreinverted items 166-176. The items 166 through 170 are shown as thenumerals 1-3, and the items 172-176 are shown as the words ONE, TWO, andTHREE.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 of thedrawings, a shirt generally designated 178 includes a turtleneck 180,sleeves 182 and 184, and a torso or main body portion 186. One or moreinverted items 188 and 190 are attached, embossed, inked, painted,printed, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched, applied or otherwisepresented on the front surface of shirt 178. Item 188 is a pictorialrepresentation of an elephant and item 190 is the word ELEPHANT.

The inverted items 150-154, 166-176, and 188-190 are positioned on theshirts 140, 156, and 178 so that when the shirt is worn by a child orinfant, he or she can look down and see the item or items right-side-up.It is believed that this will increase the child's ability to learn thenumbers, letters, words, and/or to identify the objects. It iscontemplated that the items can be detachable and releasably attached tothe front of the shirts by filamentary hook and loop material such asVELCRO brand fastening tapes. It is to be understood that the inverteditems of the present invention are not limited to the examples shown inFIGS. 6-8 of the drawings, but can include inverted, numbers, letters,words, designs, objects, pictures, figures, and the like.

Also, it is to be understood that the shirts 140, 156, and 178 shown inFIGS. 6-8 of the drawings may be the first in a series of shirts used toteach the child the entire alphabet, numerical system and/or to identifymany objects and words.

FIGS. 9-11 of the drawings depict exemplary embodiments of improvedchildren's or infant's long-sleeved shirts which are believed toincrease the child's ability to learn the alphabet, numerical system, toidentify objects with pictorial representations, etc. The shirts haveitems such as letters, numbers, figures, designs, or combinationsthereof placed so that when the child or infant is wearing the shirt, heor she can look down and see the items right-side-up. Also, itemsincluding letters, numbers, figures, designs, or combinations thereofcan be placed inverted on the sleeves of the shirt so that when thechild or infant looks down at the sleeves, the items appearright-side-up.

With reference to FIG. 9 of the drawings, a long-sleeved shirt generallydesignated by the reference numeral 192 is shown to include a V-neck194, sleeves 196 and 198, and a main body or torso portion 200. One ormore relatively large sized inverted items 202, 204, and 206 are placed,attached, embossed, inked, painted, printed, dyed, sewn, embroidered,stitched, applied, or otherwise presented on the front surface of mainbody portion 200. One or more smaller sized inverted items 208, 210, and212 are placed on sleeve 196 and one or more inverted items 214, 216,and 218 are placed on sleeve 198. The inverted items 208-218 are placed,embossed, attached, inked, painted, printed, dyed, sewn, embroidered,stitched, applied, or otherwise presented on the respective sleeves. Inaccordance with the shown embodiment, the inverted items are the capitalletters A, B, and C.

As shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings and in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, a long-sleeved shirtgenerally designated by the reference numeral 220 includes a buttoncollar 222, sleeves 224 and 226, and a main body or torso portion 228.One or more inverted items 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240 are locatedon the front of the main body portion 228 of shirt 220. Likewise, one ormore inverted items 242, 244, and 246 are located on sleeve 224, and oneor more inverted items 248, 250, and 252 are located on sleeve 226. Itis to be understood that the inverted items 230-252 are placed, located,embossed, inked, painted, printed, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched,applied, or otherwise presented on the front surface of the main body228 and sleeves 224 and 226 so that, when a child or infant is wearingthe shirt, he or she can look down and see the items right-side-up.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings, a long-sleeved shirtgenerally designated by the reference numeral 254 includes a turtleneck256, respective sleeves 258 and 260, and a main body or torso portion262. One or more inverted items 264, 266, are located on the frontsurface of main body portion 262 of shirt 254 in a position to be viewedby the child or infant wearing the shirt. Similarly, one or moreinverted items 268, 270, are located on sleeve 258, and one or moreinverted items 272 and 274 are located on sleeve 260 in a position to beviewed by the child or infant wearing the shirt. It is to be understoodthat the inverted items 264-274 are placed, located, attached, embossed,inked, painted, screen printed, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched,applied or otherwise presented on the front surface of the shirt 254 orsleeves 258 and 260 so that, when the child or infant is wearing theshirt, they can look down and see the items right-side-up. Again, theseinverted items may be detachable and releasably attached to the shirt254 by respective mating or coupling surfaces such as syntheticfilamentary hook and loop materials.

Also, it is to be understood that the shirts 192, 220, and 254 may bedisposable, reusable, washable, waterproof, and the like, depending onthe particular material chosen for construction thereof.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated thateach of the shirts 192, 220, and 254 may be one in a series or system ofshirts used to increase the ability of a child, toddler, infant,learning disabled adult, handicapped person, or illiterate person tolearn and to facilitate the teaching of numbers, letters, the alphabet,numerical system, words, and/or to identify objects. Such a series ofshirts or shirts having detachable and replaceable inverted items can beused as a system for enhancing the wearers learning ability and as amethod of teaching.

As shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, and in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pair of pants ortrousers generally designated by the reference numeral 276 include awaste band 278 and legs 280 and 282. One or more inverted items 284,286, and 288 are located on leg 280, and one or more inverted items 290,292, and 294 located on leg 282. It is to be understood that theinverted items 284-294 are located, placed, attached, embossed, inked,painted, printed, dyed, sewn, embroidered, stitched, applied, orotherwise presented on each of the legs 280 and 282 so that, when thechild, infant, or the like is wearing the pants, they can look down andsee the items right-side-up. The pants 276 may form part of an outfitincluding a shirt such as shown in FIGS. 6-11 of the drawings, and/or abib shown in FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings. Shirts, pants, bibs, pajamas,and other garments can be used in various combinations to increase thewearers ability to learn and to facilitate the teaching of numbers,letters, the alphabet, numerical system, words, objects, etc.

Although the inverted items 284-294 shown in FIG. 12 are the numbers ornumerals 1-6, it is to be understood that in accordance with the presentinvention, one or more of a variety of inverted items such as numbers,letters, figures, designs, words, objects, pictorial representations, orcombinations thereof can be placed in inverted orientation on one orboth of the legs 280 and 282. Further, it is to be understood that thepants 276 may be one in a series or system of pants which presentsequential groupings of elements such as numbers or letters, words,pictorial representations, designs, figures, etc. to teach the entirealphabet, numerical system, animals, etc.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, asshown in FIG. 13 of the drawings, a layette or child's garment generallydesignated by the reference numeral 296 includes a collar 298, sleeves300 and 302, and a skirt portion 304. A plurality of inverted items 306,308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 are located on the skirt 304 ofgarment 296 in a position to be viewed by the wearer of the garment. Theinverted items 306-320 shown in FIG. 13 are the respective capitalletters B-I.

In accordance with one example of the present invention, the garment 296is reversible, and the inverted items extend around the entirecircumference of the lower portion of skirt 304. Such items could be theentire alphabet in capital letters, the entire alphabet in lower caseletters, numbers 1-10, barnyard animals, animals commonly found in azoo, words, and/or the like. The inverted items 306-318 are located,placed, attached, embossed, inked, painted, printed, dyed, sewn,embroidered, stitched, applied, or otherwise presented on skirt portion304 of garment 296 so that, when the child or infant is wearing thegarment, she can look down and see the items right-side-up. Also, it isto be understood that the items may be detachable, replaceable, ormovable using releasable fastening elements, fastening or couplingelements such as VELCRO brand filamentary hook and loop type materials.Also, it is to be understood that the garment 296 may be disposable,reusable, washable, waterproof, and formed of a variety of one or morematerials.

Also in accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated thatthe garment 296 may be one of a series or system of garments or part ofan outfit including the garment 296 together with pants, and/or a bibeach having inverted items thereon to provide an outfit or system forincreasing the wearer's ability to learn and to provide a method ofteaching the alphabet, numerical system, words, the identification ofobjects, etc.

In accordance with the present invention, it is also contemplated thatother garments, articles of clothing, or accessories including blankets,activity pads or mats, burp pads, shoulder bibs, diapers, short pants,rubber pants, bloomers, one or two piece pajamas, sun suits, coveralls,etc. may have placed or located thereon one or more intentionallyinverted items including letters, numbers, words, figures, designs,pictorial representations, combinations thereof or the like, in aposition so that, the child or infant wearing or using the article canlook down and see the items right-side-up. It is believed that theplacement of inverted items on these articles increases the child'sability to learn and facilitates the teaching of the alphabet, numericalsystem, words, the identification of objects, etc.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a kit is provided havingone or more items, means for attaching the items to a garment, article,accessory, or the like, and instructions for attaching the items in aninverted orientation on the article and in a location to be viewed bythe wearer so that, he or she can look down and see the itemsright-side-up. Such a kit can be used to convert a conventional garment,article, or accessory, or the like, to one which will increase thewearer's ability to learn or to facilitate the teaching of the alphabet,numerical system, words, identification of objects, etc.

Although the items 100-118 shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings are shown asseparate individual items, it is to be understood that these items maybe combined together with two or more on a single piece of cloth, forexample, the numbers or numerals 1, 2, and 3, together on a singlerectangular piece of cloth which can be attached to the article,garment, accessory, etc. Although it is preferred that all of the itemspresented on the front of the article, garment, accessory, etc. areinverted, it is contemplated that inverted and non-inverted items may bepresented in an organized, structured, or ordered array, pattern, orsequence.

Thus, it will be appreciated that as a result of the present invention,a highly effective, improved garment, article of clothing, accessory,system, series, kit, or the like, is provided by which the principalobjective among others is completely fulfilled. It is contemplated, andwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from the precedingdescription and accompanying drawings, that modifications and/or changesmay be made in the illustrated embodiments without departure from thepresent invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that theforegoing description and accompanying drawings are illustrative ofpreferred embodiments only, not limiting, and that the true spirit andscope of the present invention be determined by reference to theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A teaching aid to be worn by an infant, toddler,child, learning disabled person, or the like comprising:an article ofclothing, other than a glove, having a fastener or fasteners disposedthereon by which at least one number may be removably attached to saidarticle of clothing in an inverted orientation such that said numberappears right-side-up to a wearer of said article of clothing; and aplurality of numbers which may be attached to said article of clothingby said fastener or fasteners.
 2. The article as recited in claim 1comprising a bib.
 3. The article as recited in claim 1 comprising ashirt.
 4. The article as recited in claim 1 comprising pants.
 5. Thearticle as recited in claim 1 wherein said fastener or fastenerscomprise interlocking hook and loop materials.
 6. The article as recitedin claim 1 wherein said fastener or fasteners comprise snaps.
 7. Ateaching aid to be worn by an infant, toddler, child, learning disabledperson, or the like comprising:an article of clothing having a fasteneror fasteners disposed thereon by which at least one number may beremovably attached to said article of clothing in an invertedorientation such that said number appears right-side-up to a wearer ofsaid article of clothing, and when said wearer's arms and fingers arefully extended above said wearer's head, said number appearsup-side-down to an observer other than said wearer; and a plurality ofnumbers which may be attached to said article of clothing by saidfastener or fasteners.